Burial Assistance

The Burial Assistance program is designed to help families of deceased indigent individuals who are unable to afford the full cost of burial / funeral and cremation expenses.

Sherburne County may be available to assist families when a person dies with insufficient funds to pay for their final disposition. The amount of money available will vary based on a variety of circumstances. There may be restrictions put on the goods and services available when using county assistance for a funeral. Minnesota law allows a county to use cremation in lieu of burial when there are no objections by the next-of-kin.

Services

The Burial Assistance program will pay up to $1,500 directly to funeral providers depending on services needed and available funding.

Procedures

An application for a County burial will be completed by a family member or other interested party prior to receipt of services. Application will be submitted to the Financial Assistance Supervisor or lead worker.

Funeral Director will need to provide an itemized statement of Goods and Services. Supervisor or lead worker will give verbal approval by phone to be followed up by the County Letter of Authorization to the Funeral Director that the County will pay for the funeral, up to the guidelines for payment established. Approval for county payment must be given by the county prior to services being rendered.

Supervisor or lead worker will refer to Collection Officer for Claim against Estate.